Ashland downtown revamp forum Sept. 18

ASHLAND — Local officials are kicking off an initiative to revamp the downtown area next week, with the project’s first public workshop Monday night.

“I think the community has demonstrated, and they’ve said to a lot of elected and appointed officials, that they are tired of talking about things,” Town Manager Michael Herbert said, “and they want to move things forward from a concept to a reality.”

The project will look at improving traffic flow, pedestrian access, and the aesthetics of the area, which encompasses Main Street, Pleasant Street, Front Street, Cherry Street, Summer Street, Homer Avenue, and Union Street.

Major changes could include road reconstruction or traffic light changes, drainage and sidewalk improvements, landscaping and ornamental touches, and possibly burying overhead utility wires. Comments from the public are an important part of the process, with three forums, including Monday’s, planned for the fall, winter, and spring, and an interactive website devoted to resident feedback.

This is the first major renovation of downtown in decades, possibly 30 to 40 years, Herbert said. She likened the downtown to a community’s living room.

“I think it will provide us with a new reinvigorated space to have community events. On a more practical note, I’m hoping it helps our commercial tax base.”

Ashland hired the design firm BSC Group, which is expected to present the first, 25 percent design in late spring, after the three forums. Herbert said he hopes the project can be completed without an override or debt exclusion, potentially relying heavily on grants.

“This is quite frankly what the people want,” Herbert said.

The project’s website, at http://courb.co/ashlanddt, includes an interactive map, timeline of the design process, updates on the project, and more. Residents can add markers to the map with suggestions, and town employees check in from time to time under the username “Town of Ashland.”

Suggestions so far have included pitches for the types of businesses people would like to see, callouts of specific problems – like the rough patch of road by the railroad tracks or a broken bench – advice for making the area more pedestrian-friendly, and pleas for better parking.

Monday’s workshop will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the community center. Light refreshments and childcare are available, according to the event posting. Residents are encouraged to come with ideas on what’s missing downtown, what should stay, and how the area could be improved, including any aspects of other towns that work.

Alison Bosma can be reached at 508-626-3957 or abosma@wickedlocal.com. Find her on Twitter at @AlisonBosma.

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